There are four types of Guardians

Portrait of the Guardian Protector ISFJ

dedicated

Protectors derive a great deal of satisfaction from caring for others, and they offer their comfort gently and helpfully. Though they present a quiet reserve, these individuals are friendly and fondhearted in nature. They enjoy assisting the downtrodden and can handle disability and neediness in others better than most. Protectors are devoted and loyal to their superiors. They influence those around them by
setting an example of humility, service, and dedication.

self-sacrificing

Protectors are extremely industrious, working tirelessly, as they sacrificially give of themselves to the institution. They offer their service in the form of guarding against life's pitfalls and perils, that is, seeing to the security of all those they care for. Their greatest contributions often stem from their selfdenial, as they go about their caretaking tasks modestly and unassumingly. Protectors are the least self-serving of all, and when they undertake a task, they will complete it if at all humanly possible.

preserving

To save, to put something aside against an unpredictable future, to prepare for emergencies—these are important actions to Protectors. Frugality is a virtue for them, for they know the value of a dollar and abhor the squandering or misuse of resources. They are devoted to family, and expect the places where they reside to be kept neat and orderly. Protectors seek to get their money's worth, and will do everything possible to preserve any of their belongings whether big or small for as long as they possibly can.

thorough

Thoroughness, and attention to detail are trademarks of Protectors. They base their self-image on being seen as dependable, beneficent, and respectable—and to that end, they are extremely careful in their work. With their extraordinary sense of safety and responsibility, and with their unusual talent for executing routines in a precise manner, they do well in roles that allow for their logistical brilliance to shine. Protectors possess a sincerity and seriousness of purpose that causes them to be focused on completion.

respectful

Protectors value tradition, whether it be cultural, institutional, or familial. They carry with them a sense of pride and respect for history; a sense of continuity with past events and relationships. They are keenly aware of status given by birth, titles, offices, and credentials. They believe in the safety of a traditional social hierarchy, and do everything they can to uphold custom and convention. Protectors expect others to respect traditions and to do the "right thing" at the "right time"—and always for the "right reason."

stabilizing

Protectors usually work quietly behind the scenes to create stability. They proceed with diligence, as they go about completing their tasks. These stabilizers are exceptionally dependable and are seldom happy leading others down an uncertain road. For Protectors, regulations are tried and true, and they rarely question the effectiveness of going by the book. They expect everyone to conform to the established rules, feeling a personal responsibility to ensure that standards are not only adhered to but honored.